CHOICES

As life happens, we are continually faced with making a choice that involves a “what to do now?” dialogue with yourself and/or other interested parties. It might be a family member, a business associate, your doctor, or any host of additional participants. The choice might require a yes or no decision. Or perhaps, choosing between A, B or C. It may be something like “How am I going to pay for that?”. All of us face these and endless other types of questions every day. For example:

Some choices are superficial:

Do I want to buy the red, tan, silver or white Chevy?

Some are important:

Do I want to change jobs and relocate the family?

If the market tanks again like it did a couple of years ago, how do I prevent any loss of money on the downside, and participate in the upside? What are my choices, if any?

Some choices are downright critical:

Do I have the heart surgery or cancer treatment being recommended or seek an alternative, a second opinion or option? How would I pay for it?

I’ve become critically ill and no longer have health insurance (or the coverage I have won’t pay for the treatment I need), I’ve lost my job, bills are piling up and I’ve run out of money. I’m staring foreclosure and bankruptcy in the face. I have life insurance but need money now, not after I’m dead. I’d like a choice that gives me a shot at living, finding a cure, sending the kids to college, keeping the house and avoiding bankruptcy? What could I have done? Did I have any choices?

My spouse is terminally ill and the doctors gives him/her six months to live. Our dream was to visit Paris or Italy or the Holy Land. We both have life insurance, but we’re short on money and I want to fulfill our dream. If only I could access some funds, my choice in a heartbeat would be to take the trip now while my spouse could still enjoy it.